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Hear How This Private School Is Laying the Foundation for Academic Success - Starting with its Twos Program

Hear How This Private School Is Laying the Foundation for Academic Success - Starting with its Twos Program

BASIS Independent McLean is an age 2–grade 12 private school in Tysons Corner and part of the esteemed network of BASIS Curriculum Schools, which captured the top five spots in the 2018 U.S. News & World Report best high school rankings. Implementing best practices from top educational systems around the world, BASIS Independent McLean inspires students to imagine what is possible, and set out to achieve it.

Ms. Cassie Korik, the Director of Student Affairs for Early Learning–grade 3 at BASIS Independent McLean, answers some commonly asked questions about the world-acclaimed BASIS Curriculum for students in the early years, and sheds some light on the school’s new Twos Program.

What makes BASIS Independent McLean stand out from other private schools in Northern Virginia?

It’s the BASIS Curriculum, coupled with bright, passionate, expert teachers! BASIS Independent McLean provides our well-rounded liberal arts program with a STEM focus that raises the standards of student learning to the highest international levels. Starting with our youngest learners, our spiraling curriculum offers a wide breadth of disciplines, including Mandarin, engineering, world discovery, and drama. These early years, from age 2 through kindergarten, foster curiosity, independence, a love of learning, and encourage students to make connections between all of the new things they are learning—both inside and outside of the classroom. As students progress through our program, they begin to use their newfound knowledge as a tool, becoming excellent problem solvers and critical thinkers.

Our families know that the BASIS Curriculum, which has been achieving excellent student outcomes for twenty years, provides a world-class education. They know that we are positioning their children for success throughout their school years, and beyond. That’s what makes our school stand out.

How does the new Twos Program at BASIS Independent McLean position students for success?

By age 3, a child’s brain has reached 80% of its adult volume. Our Twos Program builds a strong foundation for students so that they are prepared for the high level of learning that lies ahead. The Twos Program, which is launching in the 2019–20 school year for 2-year-olds, sets the stage for our Early Learning Program, which lasts through kindergarten. This new program is the first academic touchstone for our students. It sets the pace for a successful educational journey by providing a nurturing environment that encourages children to explore and create, and gets them excited to learn and come to school every day.

Each Twos classroom has two teachers with expertise in early childhood development who establish daily routines and strong, trusting relationships to help each child feel secure and confident in a classroom setting.

What does the Twos Program focus on in terms of learning and instruction?

The Twos Program provides a supportive environment designed to nurture growing minds and lay the building blocks for physical, social, emotional, and language development. We focus on all four of those vital areas of growth. Our teachers incorporate hands-on purposeful play, as well as plenty of opportunities for inquiry and educational activity throughout the school day. We empower our students’ curiosity—we want them to ask questions, make discoveries, and really experience the joy of leading their own learning.

In the Twos Program, students investigate and explore with STEM activities, develop phonemic awareness through songs, games, poems, and stories, and tap into their creativity through art and dance. We also build social-emotional awareness as students take turns, share, play, communicate with others, and learn how to be a friend.

How can families learn more about BASIS Independent McLean?

Interested families can join our interest list to stay up-to-date with upcoming events, key admissions dates, school news, and more. One of the best ways to experience our dynamic classrooms and curriculum in action is to join a tour of our campus. We also host a number of admissions events, such as Information Sessions and Open Houses, where prospective families can learn more about our globally benchmarked program and unparalleled student outcomes.